UMSI Master's Thesis: Exploring Mental Models of Authenticity and Third Party Influence in Online Dating Interactions

This study assesses the mental models of online dating users surrounding the authenticity of one’s interactions with other online dating users and one’s self-presentation in profiles. We find that users understand authenticity as framework for constructing signals and cues online. To achieve what they perceive as an authentic self-image, users often consult close friends to pilot their signals and cues to aid in uncertainty reduction and attractive self-presentation. Our findings indicate a resounding approval of the third-party intervention when the advice does not involve blatant lies or deception. We also find online dating users are more likely to ask for advice in scenarios where they are seriously invested in developing a relationship with another individual.Master of ScienceInformation, School ofUniversity of Michiganhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/148810/1/MSI Thesis - Alex Carey.pd

Mastering Mills: Recommendations for Planning Massachusetts Mill Communities

This paper is meant to summarize the findings and recommendations that came directly from attendees at the “Mastering Mills” Symposium in order to influence future state policies regarding mill revitalization, especially for rural communities

Writing the activist novel

Between The Wars is a novel based on the life and work of pacifist and social reformer Muriel Lester. An early member of anti-war organisation The Fellowship of Reconciliation, Lester was also a friend of Gandhi and a founder of the East London church and community centre Kingsley Hall. Between The Wars is an interrogation of the beliefs that inspired her, the Christian pacifist movement she was a part of, and the challenge of living out the values of peace through two world wars. It is also an exploration of the relationship between activism and fiction, and the possibility of representing Lester’s ideas in fictional form. This paper examines the process of writing an activist novel that seeks change and yet allows, indeed encourages, the reader to question its beliefs, tracing the connections between the activism of Muriel Lester and the form and style of the novel she inspired

Can consumers learn to ask three questions to improve shared decision making? A feasibility study of the ASK (AskShareKnow) Patient–Clinician Communication Model® intervention in a primary health-care setting

Funded by Informed Medical Decisions Foundation. Grant Number: #0175-1 National Health and Medical Research Council Public Health Training Fellowship. Grant Number: 568962Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Injections of predatory bacteria work alongside host immune cells to treat Shigella infection in zebrafish larvae

Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus are predatory bacteria that invade and kill a range of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens in natural environments and in vitro [ 1 and 2]. In this study, we investigated Bdellovibrio as an injected, antibacterial treatment in vivo, using zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae infected with an antibiotic-resistant strain of the human pathogen Shigella flexneri. When injected alone, Bdellovibrio can persist for more than 24 hr in vivo yet exert no pathogenic effects on zebrafish larvae. Bdellovibrio injection of zebrafish containing a lethal dose of Shigella promotes pathogen killing, leading to increased zebrafish survival. Live-cell imaging of infected zebrafish reveals that Shigella undergo rounding induced by the invasive predation from Bdellovibrio in vivo. Furthermore, Shigella-dependent replication of Bdellovibrio was captured inside the zebrafish larvae, indicating active predation in vivo. Bdellovibrio can be engulfed and ultimately eliminated by host neutrophils and macrophages, yet have a sufficient dwell time to prey on pathogens. Experiments in immune-compromised zebrafish reveal that maximal therapeutic benefits of Bdellovibrio result from the synergy of both bacterial predation and host immunity, but that in vivo predation contributes significantly to the survival outcome. Our results demonstrate that successful antibacterial therapy can be achieved via the host immune system working together with bacterial predation by Bdellovibrio. Such cooperation may be important to consider in the fight against antibiotic-resistant infections in vivo

The challenge of predicting groundwater quality impacts in a CO2 leakage scenario: Results from field, laboratory, and modeling studies at a natural analog site in New Mexico, USA

AbstractA vital aspect to public and regulatory acceptance of carbon sequestration is assurance that groundwater resources will be protected. Theoretical and laboratory studies can, to some extent, be used to predict the consequences of leakage. However, direct observations of CO2 flowing through shallow drinking water aquifers are invaluable for informing credible risk assessments. To this end, we have sampled shallow wells in a natural analog site in New Mexico, USA, where CO2 from natural sources is upwelling from depth. We collected major ion, trace element, and isotopic (3H, 18O, and Sr) data and, coupled with laboratory experiments and reactive transport modeling, have concluded that the major control on groundwater quality at this site is not chemical reaction of CO2 with the aquifer but intrusion of saline waters upwelling with the CO2.Using reactive transport modeling based on field data, we show the difference in reactivity of the CO2 and CO2/saline water source terms, particularly with respect to carbonate mineralogy. Sr isotopes were used to investigate whether aquifer waters were affected by carbonate mineral reaction with CO2 or by saline water intrusion. Preliminary data suggest that Sr isotopes can successfully be used to discriminate between the two types of source terms at Chimayó; this technique shows promise for monitoring CCS sites.In developing predictive capabilities for future sites, it is critical to identify the solid phases and specific reactions controlling dissolved trace metal concentrations in both the presence and absence of CO2. We have conducted laboratory experiments to identify these phases and have found that some elements (e.g., U, Ca) are largely controlled by ion exchange and/or carbonate minerals. In the experiments, the concentration of some metals increases after exposure to CO2 (although concentrations remain below the U.S. EPA primary drinking water standards); we are currently extending these experiments to determine if the reactions causing the increase are reversible and, if so, on what time scales. Metal scavenging by secondary mineral precipitation, as observed at other natural analog sites, may be important at certain temporal scales.We are using the information gained from this field and laboratory study to develop predictive models for application to risk assessment at future CCS sites. The models will be particularly useful in identifying the temporal and spatial scales of water quality changes and in developing possible mitigation strategies in the case of leaks at engineered CCS sites

Mapk-activated protein kinase 2 contributes to Clostridium difficile-associated inflammation

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) results in toxin-induced epithelial injury and marked intestinal inflammation. Fecal markers of intestinal inflammation correlate with CDI disease severity, but regulation of the inflammatory response is poorly understood. Previous studies demonstrated that C. difficile toxin TcdA activates p38 kinase in tissue culture cells and mouse ilium, resulting in interleukin-8 (IL-8) release. Here, we investigated the role of phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-activated protein kinase (MK2 kinase, pMK2), a key mediator of p38-dependent inflammation, in CDI. Exposure of cultured intestinal epithelial cells to the C. difficile toxins TcdA and TcdB resulted in p38-dependent MK2 activation. Toxin-induced IL-8 and GROα release required MK2 activity. We found that p38 and MK2 are activated in response to other actin-disrupting agents, suggesting that toxin-induced cytoskeleton disruption is the trigger for kinase-dependent cytokine response. Phosphorylated MK2 was detected in the intestines of C. difficile-infected hamsters and mice, demonstrating for the first time that the pathway is activated in infected animals. Furthermore, we found that elevated pMK2 correlated with the presence of toxigenic C. difficile among 100 patient stool samples submitted for C. difficile testing. In conclusion, we find that MK2 kinase is activated by TcdA and TcdB and regulates the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Activation of p38-MK2 in infected animals and humans suggests that this pathway is a key driver of intestinal inflammation in patients with CDI

WILEARN

El presente proyecto fue desarrollado al identificar la necesidad de los estudiantes universitarios con respecto a contar con un servicio que pueda brindarle herramientas que le ayuden a mejorar sus resultados académicos, además de desarrollar competencias que puedan ser de ayuda para potenciar su empleabilidad, sobre todo para alumnos que se encuentran en búsqueda de prácticas y oportunidades laborales. Teniendo esto en cuenta, se ha desarrollado esta idea de negocio que se enfoca en reunir estas herramientas en una app que permita a estudiantes universitarios acceder a estas. La propuesta tiene el nombre de wiLearn, que representa la idea de un aprendizaje en conjunto.  wiLearn de enfoca en un mercado compuesto por estudiantes universitarios de 18 a años, pertenecientes al NSE A y B que buscan mejorar su rendimiento académico y complementar sus conocimientos para aumentar su nivel de empleabilidad. Para validar este proyecto, se han realizado diversos experimentos que comprueben la viabilidad de la idea de negocio. Además, se ha analizado financieramente para determinar la rentabilidad, los requerimientos para el desarrollo de esta idea de negocio y, sobre todo, dar a conocer esta nueva alternativa de refuerzo académico y profesional.This project was created by the need for college students' concerns, which focuses on services that can help them improve their academic results and develop skills that can enhance their employability, internships, and most importantly, job opportunities. Thus, by keeping in mind the students' concerns, a new business idea has been developed to strategically bring these tools together in an application (App) to facilitate students' access to assist them with their needs.  Furthermore, the name of this proposal App is wiLearn, which represents teamwork learning. wiLearn focuses on a market made for 18-year-old college students from NSE A and B who seek to improve their academic performance and improve their knowledge to increase their employability level. Lastly, in order to validate this project, various experiments have been implemented to verify the business idea's viability. Additionally, a deeply financial analysis was developed to determine the cost-effectiveness and the requirements for developing this business idea. Therefore, it will allow how to publicize this new alternative of academic and professional reinforcement.Trabajo de investigació

An Evaluation of a Community-Based Psycho-Educational Program for Users of Child Sexual Exploitation Material

Online sexual offenders represent an increasingly large proportion of all sexual offenders. Many of these offenders receive noncustodial sentences, and there is a growing need for community-based interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate a psycho-educational program for community dwelling users of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM). A total of 92 adult male participants completed self-report measures at pre and post. A subset of participants also completed measures after a follow-up period. Results suggested benefits across depression, anxiety, and stress; social competency, including locus of control and self-esteem; and distorted attitudes. Furthermore, these effects remained 8 to 12 weeks following program completion. Our results suggest that CSEM users are amenable to treatment in the community and that there are beneficial outcomes in affective and interpersonal functioning following psycho-education. These factors represent treatment targets for sexual offenders and are recognized risk factors for contact sexual offense recidivism. </jats:p